Yousaf’s LSE speech was a one-sided PR stunt

Ignoring the damaging economic effects of independence renders the First Minister’s speech worthless

A2021 study by the LSE’S Centre for Economic Performance found that ‘the negative impact of independence on Scotland’s economy is two to three times greater than the costs of Brexit’

Humza Yousaf ’s speech to the London School of Economics was described as “amazing” by one enthusiastic audience member. However, for those familiar with SNP rhetoric, his remarks were, for the most part, a restatement of the usual arguments for independence.

Some other small countries do well, therefore Scotland would too. The “Westminster consensus” holds Scotland back and dooms the UK to “managed decline”. Brexit dragged Scotland out of the European Union and the resulting economic damage will be long-lasting.

He quoted research from both the Office for Budget Responsibility and the National Institute of Economic and Social Research to back up this latter, accurate claim. However, of course, what he did not do, was mention similar studies into the consequences of independence.

A 2021 report by the LSE’S Centre for Economic Performance found that “the negative impact of independence on Scotland’s economy is two to three times greater than the costs of Brexit”. Brexit and independence combined, which would be the starting point for the new nation, was estimated to cause a fall of up to 8.7 per cent in long-term income per capita.

The damage caused by the UK’S departure from the EU should serve as a warning, as should overly optimistic talk from the SNP that so often mirrors Brexiteers’ nowbroken promises. Brexit itself has also changed the independence argument. Had the UK remained in the EU, Scotland could have left the Union while preserving freedom of movement of people and goods. This is no longer an option. The chances of avoiding a hard border with England if Scotland joined the EU appear slim to non-existent.

Yousaf may have enjoyed a different audience but, back home, realities remain a problem for those pushing independence as the solution to all our woes.